SEMI FINALS

LANGWITH WHITESTAR 6 CHAPEL TOWN RES 2

DFA JUNIOR CUP NORTH QUARTER FINAL AT COCKSHUT LANE

2 NOVEMBER 2024 --- 1.30PM

LANGWITH WHITESTAR V CHAPEL TOWN RES WITH SAM DOCKWRAY HAT TRICK MAN

Langwith stormed into the semi finals of the DFA Junior North Cup after a powerful second half performance after going in at the break all square with a determined Chapel Town who in the end were thankful to an excellent performance from keeper Thomas Gyte for keeping the numbers down.

GYTE WOULD BE STRONG IN GOAL ALL THE GAME FOR CHAPEL

A new ground and its not been often I have said that recently but this has been a ground on the list for a little while and it looked an interesting encounter.  Sadly most of the the game barring last 25 minutes or so were under a brolly with drizzle and dark weather affecting the collection of pictures today.

The approach was via the Mag Lane railway level crossing and for some reason the manned crossing was shut 15 minutes before the trains passing.  Thankfully time was ok and arrival and a nice chat with ex Football League official Mark Sutton followed another first I have not covered a game he has been on before either.

LIAM WIDDOWSON SETS OFF

Langwith is a former mining town with some classic pit village houses and seems to be merged with Whaley Thorns and I'm not sure where the boundary stops so we could be in the latter but equally it may be the former.  While there appears to be three Whaley's in Whaley, Whaley Common and Whaley Thorns Langwith goes a few more to the better.  The options are Langwith, Nether Langwith, Langwith Maltings, Upper Langwith, Langwith Junction and Langwith Bassett.

THE CARDS COMING

The pitch would be found in nice condition for a recreation ground with a fenced compound of changing rooms and a selection of park seats looking onto the pitch the club also have respect roping on one side of the ground.  

AND THERE IT IS

Thankfully teams were obtained from the home side and the away side I was patiently assisted by Henry De Pee.  After a circuit we were ready for a prompt start in this 1.30 kick off.

THE MANAGEMENT LANGWITH WHITESTAR

So from the Nottinghamshire border lands with a roads breadth keeping the home side in Derbyshire the chance to test themselves against their High Peak visitors didn't get off to the best of the start when they went one down after 3 minutes when George Rowlands low shot found its way in at the post as keeper Ben Goddard couldn't hold on to the strike, 

Langwith were confident they could get back into the game and forced Gyte into a acrobatic save from Sam Dockwray's effort and it was the ever threatening frontman who levelled the scores from the penalty spot after he was brought down just inside the box after 20 minutes.

SAM DOCKWRAY HAT TRICK HERO

It continued to be the home side pressing and shortly after Dockwray [S] got his second with a back post effort that rolled in off the far post to give them the lead.

As Whitestar mounted more pressure you feared for the visitors but amazingly seven minutes before the break they equalised with a good double save from Goddard the ball was finally despatched by Rowlands for his second.

Just before the break Gyte was called on when he pulled of a remarkable set of three saves in the same move to deny Langwith.

Usual brief break at this level of football and there seemed no panic in the home sides management and so it turned out to be in the second half.

So the second half would start with Langwith straight on the attack and a confident performance it would produce.

Just shy of the hour mark Langwith grabbed the lead again when a when a wonderful in swinging corner off the right from Brady Dockwray evaded Gyte's efforts and flew straight in to make it 3-2.

The dominance would start just two minutes later when the fourth arrived courtesy of  Dockwray [S] who fired in to complete his hat trick.

HENRY DE PEE - CHAPEL TOWN

The home side were dominant now but it has to be said that the visitors never gave up the cause and were battling away with a credit to their club. 

But they couldn't deny the home a side a fifth again a corner did the damage Chapel could not clear their lines and Daniel Foster provided the strike with fifteen minutes remaining.

3-2 BRADY DOCKWRAY SCORES STRAIGHT FROM THE CORNER

Chapel did have a few breaks with nothing really coming from them although De Pee did have what looked a good appeal for a penalty turned down by referee Sutton. However it was soon normal service resumed as Langwith made it half a dozen in the goal stakes on 90 minutes again Gyte, who had been excellent, pulled off a double save but couldn't deny the third effort a super strike from 25 yards out from Liam Widdowson that was a clear 'top bins' contender.

BRACE FOR GEORGE ROWLANDS BUT THIS EFFORT STRIKES THE WALL

Shortly after referee Sutton blew for time in what had been an cracking little game that it has to be said the visitors played their part in.  From a Langwith point of view they will go into the semi finals with a confidence and not many will want to face the Nottinghamshire Senior League lads.

Hopefully I get the chance to re visit on a better weather day and collect some better pictures than today but winter is coming and the dark afternoons follow of course.  Their appears a few pictures still left so hopefully you will take a look at those below these words.

An enjoyable afternoon I shall look out for Langwith's progression.

EARLY WINNER

SELSTON 0 CLIFTON ALL WHITES 1

UCL DIVISION ONE AT THE PARISH

26 OCTOBER 2024 --- 3PM

SELSTON V CLIFTON ALL WHITES WITH OSCAR HUGENHOLTZ ON THE BALL

An early goal from Calrick Dunkley was enough to send Clifton back home with all three pints in what was already a vital relegation clash this early in the season.  It was a game of minimum chances that was close until the end but with leave Selston with a feeling of disappointment at not securing at least a draw.

EARLY ACTION STAND SIDE

Early arrival would see a visit to the nearby Coop for pastries etc and then a slow walk to the ground with the usual friendly greeting from car park steward to gateman to the lady in the café.  There was the chance to catch up with the Selston Chairman and once again a friendly welcome was offered to all visitors here this really is the stand out selling point of this homely club.

A quick acknowledgement from Craig Weston the manager who time goes back a long way to his playing days at Alfreton and also going back a long way is Graham Taylor one of today's assistants who has been officiating for a long time now it was good to catch up with him pre match.

CALRICK DUNKELY RECEIVES THE CONGRATULATIONS FOR THE MATCH WINNER

Clifton played in their traditional kit and sparklingly bright it looked with very affective and visible sponsor on the shirts.  Selston would be in their normal home kit of blue and black stripes.

Today's referee Mohsin Arshid would be the first time the blog had seen him and he had a good game getting about the pitch well and looking immaculately turned out.

GEORGE LAYTON FORCES CLIFTON KEEPER BECKETT ONTO A SAVE

Selston were first out of the traps with Jack Cockram firing a cross goal shot just wide after 8 minutes but after a sharp start the home side would go behind to a lovely strike. Just inside the left hand side of the box Dunkley curled a lovely effort out of the reach of home keeper Branon Meehan for an opener that turned out be the winner.

REFEREE MOHSIN ARSHID HAS A WORD WITH JACK COCKRAM

Much effort and hard work ensued but there was little to write home about for the small crowd of 56.

That was about it for the first half save a caution for Corey Durose for a heavy challenge right in front of the Selston dug out.  Thankfully everything calmed quickly and was soon under control.

The half time break took us to about five past four after a slightly delayed start to the first half.

The second half found both sides full of effort but not producing to much to right home about and somewhat backing up their league positions in performance.  Selston could not get a head of steam up going down the slope and Clifton were dealing with their forays forward quite easily.

AN ATTENTIVE REFEREE ARSHID

Clifton went closest just past the hour mark when when they hit the post with a well worked shot before the follow up header from captain Tyreace Palmer struck the bar before falling to safety.

Selston were given a lifeline but in fairness still failed to break down the visitors defence and the game petered out rather to be settled by that early goal.

LATE CAUTION FOR SELSTON

This defeat leaves Selston second bottom of the Division One table while Clifton go eight points clear of the relegation zone.  For Selston its always a battle for survival and normally a spirited one at that this season looks like it may be one they may loose I hope not for such a nice set up it would be great to see them retain their UCL status.

NATHAN BECKETT STRETCHES TO PUNCH CLEAR

SHELTERING

TEVERSAL 0 DERBY SINGH BROTHERS 3

CMA PREMIER SOUTH AT CARNARVON ST

19 OCTOBER 2024 ---- 3PM

TEVERSAL V DERBY SINGH BROTHERS AS DEVANTE RAMSEY IS ABOUT TO MAKE IT 3-0 TO THE VISITORS

Teversal's poor start to the season continued with defeat to Derby Singh Brothers in a game that produced little for the home side but the visitors with the lively Devante Ramsey had the player who could unlock defences and his efforts resulted in him claiming the third goal in the second half after going into half time two goals to the good also thanks to his assists.

SAHIL BAGAVAN OUT ON THE WING

Regular readers will know that my go to club on so many occasions in my non league watching was Teversal it had a convenient bus service from base to ground and back at the end at an equally easy timing, that was until bus services were cut and a visit here was via a degree in timetables and an overnight stay in Sutton In Ashfield.  

SCOTT PARTINGTON UNDER CLOSE ATTENTION

Much of what was here is still here admittedly its via a smaller band of volunteers who are working themselves hard to keep the club on an even keel.  But what was here seasons back is still here with a public address system playing Mansfield FM, a match day programme and easy access to the team sheets should you require them and of course a snack bar and bar for the heavier stuff.

So it really is a why wouldn't you?  It would be lovely to se the surrounding villages start to fall in love with the club and give them some support through the turnstiles as they look to establish some success in their CMA Premier South challenges following their loss of NCEFL status a few seasons back.

Todays gate in the mid thirties would not support the match officials fees and again you have to feel great gratitude to the people who are keeping this club going.

JAMES POLLARD MAKES HIS WAY THROUGH THE MIDDLE

On the football field it has not been going well and as the new management team including todays man in charge Darren Smith try to re build a squad to force the side off the foot of the table it is reliant on a collection of young and more experienced players. 

LEE WILLIAMSON COMES AWAY WITH THE BALL

In the proceeding weeks the famous Tesco trolly park shelters that were installed as stands behind the far goal have re emerged on social media.  This after at least 20 years since their first instalment and secretary Kev Newton is full on now with various media outlets who have expressed an interest and following on from a Four Four Two article on the club  the BBC are featuring the club with an interview coming up on the Monday.  The four shelters are unique but it is amazing how they have shone again.  If this can spotlight the club and bring a new interest and maybe even some sponsorship going forward it would be a silver lining for the Tevie boys.

HALF TIME DISCUSSION OF WHOSE GETTING THE ORANGE JUICE COMMENCES

Admission paid and teams line ups gathered the far side of the ground was selected with a low and very bright sunshine making the old photography very difficult, it was though a relief from this mornings persistent rain.

CAUTION FOR JACK SELLARS

The first half saw Teversal start off well in going forward mode without really creating anything but that soon received a blow on the quarter of an hour mark when Ramsey set himself up to get a cross back into the box for James Pollard to rise to head home.  

The visitors made the home sides chances almost redundant with a second after 35 minutes again it was Ramsey on the left hand side of the box who pulled the ball back for Tyler Johal to fire the ball home.

That was just about how we went into half time save for a bit of late stuff and a confrontation on the half way line which apart from some jostling seemed to have little in the naughty stakes.  Referee Sam Priestly agreed and there was just a caution Teversal's Jack Sellars from the original incident.

The second period started much like the first half with the home side putting together some fair possession but just not really getting anywhere and you were just willing them to get a goal because I think their confidence would have risen and we would have seen a close finish.

KEEPER TURTON OR FORWARD RAMSEY WHO GETS THERE FIRST

But it wasn't to be and it was Ramsey who would finally settle the three points with fifteen minutes remaining.  The Derby player had been a thorn in the home sides defence all afternoon with an ability to take players on and beat them, sometimes going back again a couple of times so confident was he but also it was at times a potential downfall but he is a player that will change a game for your side.  

He burst through on a chase with the out coming home keeper Leon Turton for first to the ball honours and as they tackled at the same time the ball fell forward for Ramsey to return to his feet and despite a superb attempt to block his effort from defender Gary Atkins he could not stop the finish that made it 3-0 to the visitors.

DEVANTE RAMSEY WINS THE TACKLE THAT WILL SEE HIM MAKE IT THREE

Singh Brothers wrapped up the win and although they didn't look as good as last season they had enough today to beat Teversal and Ramsey would certainly be a player I would look to seeing again in another game. 

Teversal suffered their tenth loss in their league season with just the obscure 6-5 away win at Mansfield Hosiery Mills in the second game of the campaign being the only victory.  Although it has to be said recent results in narrow losses to Melbourne Dynamo [0-1] at home and away at Wirksworth Ivanhoe [1-0] had given some hope todays performance at times showed the beginnings but its a long way back up.

I just hope they can drag themselves from the foot of the table to safety for the people involved in the club and from a personal point of view a club I like who I would love to see get back on a positive front on the football field.

An early cheeky taxi saw a very prompt return back to base and I await tomorrow mornings forecast of heavy rain and strong wind which will make conditions the complete opposite of today in The Chesterfield Sunday League.  I may need to borrow one of those Tesco shelters for cover.

RAMSEY DRIVES ON TO MAKE IT THREE

Just two more pictures to go but still not enough words enjoy taking a look at the third goal sequence.

3-0 AS RAMSEY JUMPS OVER THE TACKLE

JOY

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS 2 HOLBROOK SPORTS 1

CMA PREMIER SOUTH AT THE FIELDINGS

12 OCTOBER 2024 --- 3PM

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS V HOLBROOK SPORTS ALBIE WHITE CHALLENGES

A superb winning strike three minutes into stoppage time by Luke Greaves was enough to bring the simple return of absolute joy for the home players, management and small band of home supporters who have witnessed Mills topsy turvey start to the season.

Without a win in five, the last one being on August 27th against then high flying Linby, the relief that this determined effort brought especially after coming back from behind to an early penalty was wonderful to see.

TED MOBILE FOR EASIER MOBILITY FOR OUR CANINE FRIEND

For the second week running there would be no Coop or chippy and it would be left to the ground snack bar to top up for this afternoons encounter.

As ever its always a warm friendly welcome with assistant gateman Ted in his new buggy taking the odd nap under his blanket during the build up but he's graduated from blanket on floor executive box to viewing from camping seat to now having the privilege of his own 'Ted wagon'.

BIRKINSHAW GOES DOWN UNDER A SUTER CHALLENGE

After a circuit and the gaining of the teams time to frequent the snack bar and Tracey was in charge today with Darren relieved of his duties as ever with this club always pleasant and a smart and clean operation.  After a catch up with a few people including Ryan Smith part of the management team at Sports it was soon 3pm and time to take a look at Holbrook Sports, again.

EARLY LEAPFROG

I say again because two weeks ago The Brookies took away a 4-0 league cup win in the 'cardgate' game were they finished with just nine men and Mills had their assistant manager sent off from the bench. Unless they meet in the floodlit cup this will be their last game this season because they away league game was played 5 weeks ago with a 2-2 draw being the conclusion. 

MILLS MANAGEMENT MARK TURNER AND PAUL HUTCHINSON ADDED TO BY SON JACK

Both sides had players out as is the regular occurrence in The CMA and you can never guarantee results at this level.

Mills were quick out of the traps but missed an open goal in the second minute when they had a shot that flew over the bar.  They were punished for their miss when Sports took the lead after 12 minutes with Mike Birkinshaw bursting through on the edge of the box when Mills captain Tom Suter felled him and referee Dan Seward pointed to the spot.  Owen Nixon converted from the spot despite home custodian Ben Robinson, who had replaced the injured Matt Fowler, getting something on it he could not stop the ball hitting the back of the net.

SPORTS MANAGEMENT TOM ELEY AND RYAN SMITH

Mills were forced into an early substitution when George Simpson came off injured and with a couple of cautions that was about the first half wrapped up and both Mills and Sports were struggling to get up a head of steam in a close encounter.

The second half continued in the same vein with Mills struggling to put much together down the slope at times they looked too easily forced off the ball and you feared for this game to run out to that early penalty.

But NO wait the boys in blue had other ideas Ted had become so concerned he'd moved himself round to the dug out where he took control in a cameo appearance from Mr Turner and decided to bark out some instructions and so onto 77 minutes and the equaliser.  Jake Johnson received the ball centrally 25 yards from goal and given space and time he drove home a beauty to register a credit on the home sides score sheet.

SAM LINFORD SPORTS NUMBER ONE

Brookies keeper Sam Linford pulled off a 'worldie' save for the camera, if only I hadn't put it away now for the rain that was falling, to deny Suter.

The confidence had visibly returned to Mansfield and they had a belief and the complete opposite befell Sports who were now struggling, quite amazing how a goal changes a game.

REGULARS ON THE POP SIDE

The game clicked over into stoppage time and it looked like a draw would be a result both sides would have to settle for, that was until Luke Greaves had other ideas when a high ball fell to him 14 yards out he volleyed home a thumping shot into the roof of the net.  Celebrations came over to the dug out  touchline the relief the home side and management had was clear for all to see as they celebrated this potential winner.

Could they hang on for the remaining thirty seconds well yes they could within that time referee Seward had blown for full time and once again for the home side they could experience the joys of a Saturday evening after a win. 

For Sports they had gone on a run of four unbeaten before this result something mentioned to their management before the start of the game and when they return up to full numbers I'm sure they will continue their more than comfortable start to life in the premier section of The CMA after last seasons promotion.  I look forward to catching up with them again during their season they have some good lads.

A final visit to the snack bar for some 'home' confectionery and with a few cheerio's that was it for another Saturday's football.

Now anybody for some Joy? 

BEN ROBINSON STRETCHES TO DENY SPORTS

Just one picture left after the words so here it is a second appearance for dug out Ted.

TED BARKS OUT A FEW TACTICS